TechFlash - Latest Comments in Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

John Cook — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:58:00 -0000

PJ,

Thanks for the tip. I followed it up here, with links to the court case.

http://www.techflash.com/ve...

John Cook

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

PJ — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:29:00 -0000

Looks like there is more trouble brewing for CMI and the Arena group.

http://www.rfcexpress.com/l...

http://dockets.justia.com/d...

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Still Lost — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:13:00 -0000

Mr. Firmani - I'm sorry you have not been well. Actually, I've only ever used this username. I asked you a polite and I think relevant question. Since you have spoken on CMI's behalf, I simply asked if Mr. Drayton was going to use personal assets or the assets of related companies to repay the money that CMI took from its clients. I don't purport to speak for anyone other than our League, but I'm sure you can appreciate how the many Little Leagues would like to know Mr. Drayton's position.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Irony — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:51:00 -0000

Mark Firmani represents Steve Berman who makes a living going after companies.

Also this is off Mark's website. If anything you would think he would be on the other side of this thing.

"Firmani + Associates, Inc. understands that recreation is your business. That is why we approach the work we do for recreation clients with an intense focus on a sound business strategy that delivers effective results.

We develop and implement programs that help recreation companies build and maintain life-long relationships with customers who are fanatical about organized sports, outdoor recreation and indoor hobbies."

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Where in the world is Mark Fir — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:06:00 -0000

Mark Firmani,

You have slipped into "radio silence"!

Would you answer the above questions directed specifically to you?

Yes?
No?
A select few of your choosing?

Either way, just let us know as it's the right thing to do.

Signed,

The Voices of TechFlash Readers

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Still Lost — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:26:00 -0000

Okay, Mr. Firmani, I take you at your word. Since you are speaking on behalf of CMI, we have a simple, direct question that deserves a simple, direct answer. All of us, including Mr. Drayton, agree that CMI used money belonging to its clients in order to operate or otherwise spent it on behalf of CMI. Now, does Mr. Drayton intend to use his personal assets and/or the assets of related companies to repay the money CMI took? I am not asking if Mr. Drayton lost money he invested in CMI. I don't want to know how much or how little he has left. I only wish to know if he intends to use personal assets or the assets of related companies to repay the money that CMI took? I thank you and look forward to your prompt reply.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Question for Mark — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:10:00 -0000

Mark,

The question still stands why are you "doing this on my dime, on my time"?

#82 I agree

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Mark Firmani — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:09:00 -0000

Wow – I certainly did not intend to sound aggressive as you said (GWB @ 82)

I went back and looked at my posts and really don’t see it, but as someone once told me, you can never argue with someone’s feelings.

Regardless of my detractors’ thoughts, my only reason for participating in this discussion is to help those who have questions with charge-backs and to occasionally add information that could help separate fact from fiction in an unbiased way as I can. I do apologize if some have interpreted my comments as aggressive.

Mark Firmani
mark@firmani.com

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

GWB — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:17:00 -0000

In reference to #73 - I think that "Mark Fraudmani" is an ill attempt to poke some fun at Mark Firmani, the owner of CMI's PR firm. I think "Fraudmani" (see the name "Fraud"-mani instead of Firmani) was being sarcastic with his comments and not trying to be hurtful to the victims. I would venture to guess that "Fraudmani" is a most likely a victim himself who got fed up with Mark Firmani posting on this blog knowing that he was paid with stolen funds. If you have read all of Mr. Firmani's comments, they have been somewhat aggressive, especially if someone questions him but that is just my biased opinion.

Think about it.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

KevinL — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:23:00 -0000

I will keep this in the public eye and at the forefront of the AG's office. Declaring bankcruptcy and hiring a PR firm won't work. It's perfect timing to make Terry the poster child for everything that has gone wrong. We need to make sure that anyone with the ability to fund venture capital projects is made aware of this louse. I believe his behavior and attitidue can be easily traced back to his prior ventures. Please name a successful, long lasting one? ....good luck, you can't.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Cali Soccer Family — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:19:00 -0000

#73

Many in my circle have simliar thoughts but in a less hostile manner. If I were to post, the presentation would have been softer.

Mark?

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Jon C — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:10:00 -0000

To: #73

...dick

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Jamie — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:03:00 -0000

@Fraudmani I think thats uncalled for. Lets just keep the focus on the real perpetrator here and not bring in others into the fray.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

meet my in the playground afte — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:34:00 -0000

Where's the playground?

Domain Name: countingmymoney.com
Creation Date........ 2006-05-14
Registration Date.... 2006-05-14
Expiry Date.......... 2009-05-14
Organisation Name.... Kathaleen Poe
Organisation Address. Rt. 2 Box 309
Organisation Address.
Organisation Address. Lost Creek
Organisation Address. 26385
Organisation Address. WV
Organisation Address. UNITED STATES

Admin Name........... Kathaleen Poe
Admin Address........ Rt. 2 Box 309
Admin Address........
Admin Address........ Lost Creek
Admin Address........ 26385
Admin Address........ WV
Admin Address........ UNITED STATES
Admin Email.......... kathaleen_poe@yahoo.com
Admin Phone.......... +1.3047453644
Admin Fax............

Tech Name............ YahooDomains TechContact
Tech Address......... 701 First Ave.
Tech Address.........
Tech Address......... Sunnyvale
Tech Address......... 94089
Tech Address......... CA
Tech Address......... UNITED STATES
Tech Email........... domain.tech@YAHOO-INC.COM
Tech Phone........... +1.6198813096
Tech Fax.............
Name Server.......... yns1.yahoo.com
Name Server.......... yns2.yahoo.com
--

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

WhoIs arenagroupinc.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:31:00 -0000

Re: #74

Another pyramid-block in Terry's ponzi scheam

WhoIs Info:

Visit AboutUs.org for more information about arenagroupinc.com
AboutUs: arenagroupinc.com

Registration Service Provided By: Arena Group, Inc.
Contact: support@arenagroupinc.com
Visit: http://arenagroupinc.com

Domain name: arenagroupinc.com

Administrative Contact:
Arena Group, Inc.
Terry Drayton (support@arenagroupinc.com)
+1.4256389000
Fax: +1.4254552257
1750 - 112th Av NE
Suite A200
Bellevue, WA 98004
US

Technical Contact:
Arena Group, Inc.
Terry Drayton (support@arenagroupinc.com)
+1.4256389000
Fax: +1.4254552257
1750 - 112th Av NE
Suite A200
Bellevue, WA 98004
US

Registrant Contact:
Arena Group, Inc.
Terry Drayton ()

Fax:
1750 - 112th Av NE
Suite A200
Bellevue, WA 98004
US

Status: Locked

Name Servers:
dns1.name-services.com
dns2.name-services.com
dns3.name-services.com
dns4.name-services.com
dns5.name-services.com

Creation date: 10 Dec 2007 21:01:47
Expiration date: 10 Dec 2009 21:01:47
---

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Art — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:49:00 -0000

Anybody know what this is about?

http://www.arenagroupinc.co...

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Mark Fraudmani — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:59:00 -0000

Why all the hate people? You got ripped off and you should just accept it. All that matters to me is that CMI and Terry has paid me my retainer. I got my money!!! So just think how good my life is - I can sit here on this blog and passively insult you and I am doing it while getting paid with money stolen from you. What a wonderful twist. I couldn't have written up a better scenario. Oh wait I can make this better, I can tell you that I am not getting paid and I can look like the hero that I know I am. Am I a swell guy or what?

Can't you see that I am only here trying to point out that all of you idiots who dealt with Terry are just that - idiots!!

Then I get to puff out my chest and tell you that I don't need to hide behind a screen name and I provide my email address. Don't I sound like the big tough class bully who threatens to beat everyone up?

Please email me at Mark.Fraudmani@countingmymoney.com if you want to meet my in the playground after school and I will show you how tough I am.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

?? — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:07:00 -0000

Mark, just curious why you would be doing this on "your dime".

This story is a "tech titanic".

Were you an investor? It really doesn't make sense why you would associate yourself, with this mess, for free.

Nor does it make sense that the company personal can't address questions themself. the whole thing is odd.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

get a life — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:06:00 -0000

#68 obviously you're bitter and will never sleep at night. At least Mark is taking a step in your direction and willing to talk to you. Try taking a sleeping pill and give it a rest.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Mark Firmani — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:37:00 -0000

To "PR is on the case" @68

I am sorry you are angry. My role is simply to share what information I can that might help those who were affected by CMI. It might not be of help to you, but is to many if the notes we get are any indication.

At this point, I am doing this on my dime, on my time. If you have issues with that, feel free to contact me directly – I opt to use my name and include my e-mail address when I post.

Mark Firmani
mark@firmani.com

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Bewildered — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:56:00 -0000

I don't understand why he has not been arrested yet. It is breathtakingly obvious that he stole custodial funds. And five million dollars is a lot of money.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Mark Firmani — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:34:00 -0000

To Vanished @ 61:

The site is up and running – I think you were just experiencing a glitch. Until the court-appointed trustee directs otherwise, the sites will remain up.

Small consolation, I know, but wanted to let you know so you can plan accordingly.

Thanks,

Mark Firmani
mark@firmani.com

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Monster(s) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:44:00 -0000

Posted on Monster.com around 6-08

Software Services Sales Representative
About the Job: Software Services Sales Representative Earn $90K+ (Base and Commissions) Arena Group / Count Me In

Count Me In is a Bellevue, WA based online services company that is growing at a rate of 50%+ a year. We have a very friendly work environment that is based on respect, collaboration and teamwork. Our business is booming and we are hiring four dedicated individuals to join our veteran sales team.

We are hiring hardworking college graduates who are honest, articulate and
thorough. Successful candidates will be very comfortable using computers and
the internet.

We are seeking well spoken and well written professionals with integrity who
understand the nuances and importance of relationship selling.

What we do:
Count Me In helps organizations grow by providing compelling integrated
solutions that include online registration and payment services, online store and league management solutions to sports organizations.
Who we help:
We help save our clients’ participants time and effort by making it easier to
research, register, pay and participate in all sorts of programs, classes and
events. We provide services to more than 1,000 organizations including the
United Nations, the US Government, Corporations, Associations, Parks and Rec Departments, Sports Organizations, Red Cross Chapters, Schools, Foundations,Event Management Companies, Camps, Faith Based Organizations and other entities.

Come join our winning team!
Compensation: $33k - $42k base, plus commission, stock options and benefits. Up to $90k+ first year.

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Hmmm.... — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:59:00 -0000

It doesn't help his case any that he's off skiing at the Yellowstone Club this weekedn..

Re: Court to seize Count Me In assets, Drayton calls it a 'sad day'

Still Lost — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:26:00 -0000

As Get a Clue and Judge Dred have pointed out, we are no longer dealing in gossip or speculation, if we ever were. Drayton admits his company skimmed over $5,000,000 from the client accounts of 200 non-profits. His only defense is that he didn't realize he was doing it. I'll leave it to others to opine on what this says about Drayton's credibility or managerial skills. The fact that Drayton lost all the money doesn't make it tragic. He used it to try to grow a company and return profit to himself. The fact that he blew the money doesn't change the fact that he used it for his own benefit, unsuccessfully. Regardless of whether you believe his claim that he was initially unaware he was spending clients' money, it looks like Drayton admits continuing to accept and lose clients' money last summer and fall after he found out. There is, of course, the outstanding question whether any of Drayton's other enterprises benefited from these funds. Given the publicity this case has received, the amount taken, the number of innocent parties injured, and the silence from law enforcement, I can only assume that the Washington Attorney General's office and the FBI are not inclined to prosecute rich guys who live in Medina unless the case is wrapped up and dropped on their doorstep, preferably with a confession sitting on top.